The Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica) has now been reported in Antigua. Survey efforts and alerts to the public were implemented immediately. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Unit for Antigua reports that eradication may be feasible since detection occurred at the early stages of infestation and they have responded immediately. (Anon, 2008a; 2008b)

Currently, there are no established populations in the continental United States or the rest of the NAPPO region. Hawaii is the only region within North America where the Giant African Snail is present (USDA-APHIS, 2008).

This is not the first report of the Giant African Snail in the Caribbean (see NAPPO-PAS, 2000).

Issues of Concern:

Achatina fulica is considered one of the most serious terrestrial snail pests in the world. Not only is it able to feed upon an extremely broad range of plants and survive in a wide array of habitats, this snail also presents a human health risk with its ability to vector the parasitic rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This parasite causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Achatina fulica is also a vector of a gram-negative bacterium, Aeromonas hydrophila, which causes a wide range of symptoms, particularly in persons with compromised immune systems. (Robinson, 2002)

This snail is one of the largest terrestrial snails, reaching up to 8 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter. They are long-lived snails, capable of surviving up to 9 years (average 3-5 years) and once mated are able to retain sperm within their bodies for multiple clutches of eggs. Under ideal conditions up to 1000 eggs per year can be laid. (Robinson, 2002)

Pathways:

Trade routes serve as the most likely source of introduction. Snails or their eggs may be unintentionally moved with agricultural products, equipment, cargo, plants or soil matter. Intentional movement is also a risk as the snails are valued in the pet/aquarium trade (NAPPO-PAS, 2003) and used as a food source or for medicinal purposes.

Warning: The information in this alert has not been confirmed with the appropriate National Plant Protection Organization and is provided solely as an early warning. Please use the above information with caution.